From the Desk of Mr. V #130

Welcome to the latest edition of “From the Desk of Mr. V”. I am Anthony “Mr. V” Valvo, your WrestleView resident teacher with the same material as last time, but different names, matches, and articles.

So sit back and grab some coffee, a cold beverage (I know I am, Pittsburgh is in a major heat wave this week), and buy some peanuts and/or cracker jacks. I hope you enjoy the 130th installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.

Enjoy some music as well. I am in entire “Straight Edge” mode, I guess. This week, I am going the easy way and picking Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality”.

Quote of the Week

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” – Ralph Nader

The Teacher’s Lecture

Summer of Punk (My second week straight)

Let’s see, on July 17, 2011 CM Punk defeated John Cena and won the WWE Championship. He made a line straight out of the arena after winning the championship and now we saw CM Punk appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comic Con, and even at a random independent show to praise Gregory Iron. Many thought this was CM Punk just taking a break from wrestling. Many believed that it would be weeks or months (some said years) before CM Punk would appear in a wrestling ring. It’s was great speculation as no one truly knew what CM Punk was going to do. All except for, well, CM Punk.

We found out on Monday Night Raw on July 25, 2011. The moment John Cena won the WWE Championship from Rey Mysterio this happened.

Yes, CM Punk returns after an eight-day absence. Many were ecstatic and shocked with this development. I for one believe that he was going to take some time off, just lounging around in Chicago and just enjoying life. Also, there are going to be those wrestling “fans” that are so mad and already calling shenanigans. These are the ones that never are pleased with the product. I see their point, don’t get me wrong. But as the student body knows by now I like to be surprised and entertained. The match John Cena and CM Punk had at Money in the Bank was classic. That was a moment. What we saw at the end of Monday Night Raw was great for John Cena, CM Punk, and the WWE.

When CM Punk left, people wondered “why leave at the top of your game”? Some do it because they are aging and just did not want to work the schedule. But when a top-level guy leaves any company whether it is pro wrestling, teaching, or editing it is extremely difficult to find someone better quickly. I feel that the WWE made a quick, smart business decision to bring him back on television. CM Punk is the hottest commodity in the business. Did you think WWE would just let him walk so these “fans” would dream of seeing Punk carry around the WWE Title at, say, Ring of Honor? Now this is not disrespect towards ROH, as I used to recap their show on HDNet and am a big fan of the promotion. However, did the average wrestling fan think that would happen? No way. CM Punk and WWE did what was best for their brands. The CM Punk name is the hottest name in wrestling today, so he instantly knew that he would be a wealthy man with the biggest empire in pro wrestling (or sports entertainment).

If he is signed for an extensive period of time, then CM Punk is officially set for life. He is a star, a man that one would dream of building a company around. Those guys don’t grow on trees. CM Punk went from being in the middle-of-the pack with The Nexus to being easily the top draw. He has what many wish they had, reaction. When fans see CM Punk now, they see him totally different than when he was the leader of the Straight Edge Society and even The New Nexus. CM Punk needs no allies (though some sites believe he has “back up” down the road. His wrestling is unquestionably the best among top WWE Superstars. His charisma and presence is great and this “Best in the World” gimmick he has now seems like a rebirth of CM Punk.

I think wrestling fans from around the world should not read too much into this. In an interview, CM Punk tells the fans to “just relax” and is annoyed with the “armchair bookers”. I think the creative teams for the main event scene on both Raw and Smackdown are terrific. This is the most exciting summer programs in years. And like the 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates, I am enjoying what is happening now.

So there will be a few crab apples complaining that CM Punk “broke his word” and returned to the WWE after eight days. I for one thought that CM Punk had all the chips and like the savvy man that he is cashed them in with a deal and he stays easily as the top guy of the summer. It is not only a win for the WWE and Punk, but for everybody that is watching what I think could be THE best year since I started watching wrestling again in 2005 (to those that did not know, I have no knowledge of 2002-2004 because of college).

Enjoy this, my students. Leave the analysis to those that world for WWE. They are the ones getting paid by the company, not the ones writing about the company like myself.

Quick Notes from “The Notebook of Mr. V”

– Did Rob Van Dam take a shot at Generation Me in a recent interview? From the interviews that I have listened in which RVD is the guest, he is really classy and a straight-forward guy. He did not mention names, but I think “Max Buck” believed that he was a subject in that quote.

As a teacher, now I might be wrong at this, I see many students that refuse to ask questions and refuse to better themselves. I see some that I think could be smarter than any of my readers, but refuse to improve. In this case RVD is a teacher. I say seek the advice from those who are more experienced in the trade. When I worked for WrestleView, I went to many for advice such as Jose Marrero, Adam Martin, Hunter Golden, and many others. I feel that I have improved and all I did was simply asked for input. Heck, listen to the first ever Teacher’s Lounge. I was shaky. Now after getting advice, I believe our show is a hit.

So, let this be a message to the reader. Seek advice. It never hurts to ask someone to scout your work.

– Thank goodness that Randy Orton is ok after taking a bad spill on last week’s edition of Smackdown (7/22). Orton was very lucky because to some wrestlers that could be an injury waiting to happen. Now folks, this is a little bit of a joke. Perhaps Orton should avoid tables for a bit. First he could not break one at Money in the Bank and now this? At least he dodged a bullet. Now on a serious note, I am really impressed that he is going back to being “angry”. This is Orton’s gimmick and he shows much more emotion when he is in that zone.

– Why are we griping over the fact that Sin Cara is off the SummerSlam poster? It makes no sense. Now if he is outright released from the WWE over the first violation, then I am sure a few will gripe over that. But it is a POSTER! Who cares?

– Shiima Xion signed a deal with TNA. Many may not know who he is, but he wrestled as Zema Ion at the Destination X PPV. I have watched a few of his matches from International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) in Pittsburgh and he never disappointed. He is a tremendous signing for TNA.

– It is creepy to have an obsession with any wrestler, man or woman. But when there is one, Lee Silber, which took it a whole new level. Silber has offered money, jewelry, and other things to be “friends” with WWE diva Maryse. When things like this happen, it is very spine-chilling. It is a shame that we live in a world where this is going on. I hope Maryse is safe and they find a way to get this 61-year-old whackjob either help or jail.

Any Questions?

There are times where Mr. V gets questions for the column and there are times where Mr. V does not get questions. However, thanks to Enzo Mendicino and Wade Bradford, I got a couple questions that I will do my best to answer.

So, let’s see what Enzo Mendicino had to ask me.

“Got a prediction for you maybe you can use it as a question on your next column … what if at survivor series you had Vince’s team “The Old WWE” vs. HHH’s team “The New WWE” in an elimination match .. could it work with rock arriving?”

Enzo, I thank you for the question. This would be pretty interesting, but I don’t see the value with this storyline unless they start this up in January. Also, I am confused with Vince’s “old WWE”. Perhaps Cena could captain Vince’s team since Cena is Vince’s creation. Also, Triple H can bring in the New WWE with CM Punk as the captain since perhaps they could have CM Punk be HHH’s “Cena”. I can’t even think about who can be aligned with who because this is a pretty vague feud.

Now, the next question was “Could it work with The Rock arriving”? Well, it could work. The Rock right now is in a feud with Cena and perhaps he tries to cost Cena the match for “Vince’s Team”. However, it would get really rough if Rock cost Cena a match for a second time.

So, if booked properly this could work for all parties. However, I don’t think we can predict what goes on at Survivor Series. It is still around three months away and with the 2011 season of the WWE it is tough to predict anything. If it works, it would work. However, I think Vince is really set on working behind the scenes and handing the authority over to his son-in-law. As for the Rock, I am sure he will electrify. However, if it is nothing but Rock just talking and then laying one Rock Bottom on Cena, then it would be disappointing.

The next, and final, question comes from Wade Bradford.

“Recapping Raw this past week, Mike Tedesco suggested that it may be time to take Michael Cole out from behind the announcer’s desk and make him a heel manager. With JR back, you know he’s going to be as abrasive and combative as ever, maybe even moreso. He doesn’t really contribute anything to the announcing anymore, other than spewing verbal diarrhea. Wouldn’t it be better for him now to be a manager to someone like The Miz, or manage a stable of heels, like Heenan, Hart, Slick, etc. did back in the late 80’s/early 90’s? It’d save us all from being tortured by him for an entire show, just one segment a week. I think it’d fit him nicely. What do you think?”

Wade, I thank you for the question. I am glad that you mentioned this because I completely agree with Mr. Tedesco on his thoughts of Michael Cole becoming a manager…on Monday Night Raw only.

With Jim Ross returning to do commentary with Jerry Lawler I think this is the best time. Bobby Heenan did not commentate on every show the WWF had back in the day, but was amazing as a commentator and a manager. With that, I think you keep Cole on commentary for Smackdown. I type that because I don’t think a two-man commentary team with Booker T as one of them will work. Cole, in storyline, is fed up with the mistreatment on Raw and decided to run a heel faction. Cole obviously can have The Miz as an associate, and maybe some other heels that need a rub. If you tell me managers don’t help wrestlers, look at Dolph Ziggler. With Vickie Guerrero, Ziggler is on the cusp of being a main event star for in a few months.

I agree, let Cole be a heel manager on Raw. I would keep him on as a color commentator for the Smackdown brand and perhaps transition Josh Mathews to play-by-play if he is not there yet. It would save the viewers Cole’s commentary on at least one two-hour show.

Thanks again Enzo and Wade. As always if any of my readers has a question please let me know by sending an e-mail to mistervwv@hotmail.com.

Detentions

Comcast – According to my Teacher’s Lounge co-host Dave Stephens, they dislike it when you are downloading movies and music and they cut him off for reaching “the limit”. Remember when we got unlimited access? Comcast also gets one for Xfinity! I can’t even get OnDemand programming and I am paying well over $160 for their services. I am sorry for the rant.

Whoever books the WWE Divas – It is pretty bad. I do feel bad for the women that do want to wrestle, but enough of the 7 vs. 7 matches that are quicker than your average Sting vs. Jeff Hardy match.

Derrick Bateman – WWE, his heel turn is not working. Better yet, since his return it has been failure.

Whoever booked the TNA Knockouts tag title match – Wow, this was 100% terrible. They all tried, but gosh was it bad.

Michael Cole – I think he is now more comical, like the WWE suits know that they can have him do anything. That gives me a homework assignment idea.

Hotmail – Looks like my e-mail address was “hacked” into. I am very upset about this and MSN has dropped the ball on it. If I change my e-mail address, all of you will know.

Lee Silber – You sir are a creep! This is the guy that has a serious obsession with Maryse, and not the good one. Soon, he might be in eternal detention.

The Time Out Chair –Jerry Meals. Jerry Meals is the Major League Baseball umpire that manned the plate in the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Altanta Braves 19-Inning game on July 26, 2011. I have seen many bad calls in my days as a Pittsburgh sports fan, but this one really took it. By the way, it took the offices of MLB to finally tell this guy “hey, you made the wrong call”. However, I won’t blame this entirely on the umpire because the Pirates did have 17 innings to get a run in. But still, it was a really bad decision.

Eternal Detention

Praxis and the ETS SeriesTeachers that get arrestedStinkbugs2010 French Soccer TeamJeff Hardy and “The Other” Hardy“Undefined” Alicia FoxMike TenayWestboro Baptist ChurchToni Morrison“Roggio” GLAAD (New Addition – Be sensitive to others as most of the world are sensitive to GLAAD)

“The Brody”

Well, I got a lot of nominations for this week’s Brody. There were some that were pretty close to winning, such as one from the Jimmy Jacobs article in which he deemed that if “anyone that can’t make money with Jimmy Jacobs needs to get out of the money making business”. I thought that was way off base because I think the WWE made a good bit of money without Jacobs with all due respect.

Then there are tons of comments regarding CM Punk’s return to the WWE and other rumors and stories surrounding the WWE Superstar.

However, Brandon Glove (a loyal student of mine) sent me a solid comment from the “Reader email on Jersey Shore’s Snooki and WWE” story and I could not resist. The Brody this week will belong to Jeremy Martin for his comment regarding the post.

To sum it up, a reader sent an e-mail to Adam Martin an e-mail in which the reader talked to Jersey Shore star Snooki at a gym in Toms River, NJ. He talked to Snooki about her time in the WWE and if there is a future in there. Mr. Martin then went on a run-on sentence rant about this story.

The Brody Quote of the Week – “I hate you for asking her that WWE is trying to fix WWE and make it better with the punk angle and triple h taking over and you want to know if some dumb@$$ is coming back.”

Mr. V’s comment: Honestly, I can’t comment. The sentence is abysmal to read. This person should seriously consider going back to primary school and learn to break his sentences down.

Snooki, as much as I cringe to say it, was a draw for the WWE. She is a celebrity (I gagged when I typed that, sorry) and it was a good question to ask her. Hey, CM Punk and HHH are both have a great program. But to just call Snooki that was not an intelligent way to carry on a conversation. I am sorry, I may be off when I typed this out. The sentence really has me confused.

Regardless, Let’s get the failure clips going.

I also take suggestions for “The Brody”. Send your picks to mistervwv@hotmail.com. Subject: The Brody. Thanks.

After a couple weeks of lackluster professional wrestling from WWE and TNA I thought overall this past week was not too bad. There was a lot more emotion driven by the majority of those that participated in the ring and the results were so much better.

This week, my top three occurred on three different shows in the WWE, but Impact did have some good contests on television as well (as one earned a C+). The match of the week may get my vote in the Match of the Year fourms for WrestleView, as we saw Kane work very well with Orton. Also, there are some surprises in the top three according to the grade book. Take a look and give the matches a look. They were pretty solid contests and you can see the improvement in many wrestlers this past week.

How did it end? This was a very surprisingly long match that did have one noticeable botch (the Orton slip at the announcer table), but Orton just walked it off like nothing happened. Both brawled very well from start to finish. The match ended when Orton avoided Kane’s finishers and hit the RKO on Kane with the chair in the ring. Orton got the pinfall victory and momentum in an upcoming World Heavyweight Title match.

Grade: B+ (leaned toward a B).

High Honors – Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young, WWE NXT, July 19.

How did it end? First off, this was a huge improvement between the two in the ring. I don’t know if it was the lack of Derrick Bateman, but the wrestlers in the ring performed so much better than their match on July 12th. The finish was pretty strong, as even though Bateman did interfere slightly in the match O’Neil shook it off and hit his Clash of the Titus finisher on Young for the pinfall victory.

Grade: B- (leaned toward a B).

Honors –Rey Mysterio vs. R-Truth, WWE Monday Night Raw, July 18.

How did it end? This match was a WWE Championship Tournament Semi-Final, and this match was slightly better than the Mysterio/Dolph Ziggler match because it was a bit longer. Truth’s technical work has improved and Mysterio worked the only way he could. Mysterio was very emotional and crisp with strikes. The match ended when Mysterio connected on the 619 and hit the top rope splash for the pinfall victory.

The next Students of the Week will be Sean McNally and Wade Bradford. Both went 5-1 in the predictions for Money in the Bank, only missing on the Daniel Bryan victory.

Who’s in line for the Predictions Prize?

See the latest Predictions article for details on how to compete.

First Place will win a wrestling DVD.Second Place will win a T-Shirt.Third Place will win a Coffee Mug.Last Place will win TNA’s Victory Road 2009 (or now even 2011 whichever costs less), as it was as bad a PPV as what potentially someone’s picks will be.

I will just type out the Top Five readers at this time. The first set of parentheses is the W/L record for WWE’s Money in the Bank. The second parentheses are the Tie-Breaker points.

The next PPV that we will be keeping score on will be TNA’s Hardcore Justice on August 7th. Enjoy the small break, students. We all needed it.

Mr. V’s Gold Star Segment

Gold Stars brought to you by: ColtMerch.com! Take a look at Colt Cabana’s merchandise and you won’t be disappointed. How are you, Colt?

Also, while you are at it check out www.jrsbarbq.com. Jim Ross has some specials on all the Beef Jerky you can consume. Look at his blog and maybe buy a product or two.

Finally, some Gold Stars! These are the people, teams, and many other things that I think did a great job in wrestling, sports, news, and even charity. So, here is who I am giving a Gold Star to.

Gregory Iron – CM Punk and Colt Cabana are right. This guy is really an inspiration. Read this guy’s story if you have time. He overcame serious adversity to be loved by many that watched him wrestle.

CM Punk – I don’t think I need a reason to give him a Gold Star. If you haven’t seen any pro wrestling the past few weeks, you obviously are living under a rock. Oh yeah, and welcome back. Students, he may be the most gifted man in professional wrestling right now.

Shiima Xion – He has wrestled many times in the Pittsburgh area and this past week he received a TNA Contract. Look, it is on a network that millions of people watch. So I am very happy to read that he is going to showcase his talents for Impact Wrestling.

Cee Lo Green – He will be performing in Los Angeles for WWE’s SummerSlam. Unlike previous musicians, Green is right now A-list. People may buy SummerSlam just for Cee Lo. Also, never gave him one for singing while wearing the Legion of Doom Shoulder Pads.

Daniel Bryan – For “Burying” People!

“Archie” from Jimmy Kimmel Live – He stood up to CM Punk and predicted how John Cena would win the WWE Championship. That is brilliant!

HHH and Vince McMahon – I don’t remember giving them Gold Stars, but it was an excellent segment that may have finally ended McMahon’s on-air run with the company.

Rey Mysterio – Even though his reign lasted only an hour and change, he was a WWE Champion. Congrats to Mysterio.

John Cena – He is once again the NEW WWE Champion after defeating Mysterio.

Dolph Ziggler – Nice new theme music.

Ricardo Rodriguez – When you were gone, I felt that Alberto Del Rio was missing something. Well, after you came back and introduced him again I realized what he was missing.

Justin Gabriel – I had a feeling when he turned babyface (albeit it was not a huge move) he would show improvement. I think so far he has some staying power.

Scott Steiner – For his age, the guy can still move in the ring.

Austin Aries – The X Division needed that charismatic heel character that will get under one’s skin. I think Aries can do that and more for TNA.

Samoa Joe – Look, Steve Austin is praising Joe right now. I will say that Joe is way better than how TNA is booking him.

Sheamus – Welcome to the good side.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Still, they are competing in the National League Central. This is just a great thing for the team and the businesses around the great city of Pittsburgh.

The Miz – CM Punk is not the only WWE Superstars making appearances. Miz was on “Lopez Tonight”, will be appearing on USA Network’s “Psych”, hosted an aftershow on MTV, and still appears on WWE Television every week. Also, he is the PWI’s #1 wrestler in the upcoming PWI 500.

Zack Ryder – Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.

Velvet Sky – I don’t think many fans are giving her credit for what she is doing on Impact Wrestling. She is the best character in their Knockouts Division and should be applauded for her efforts.

Claudio Castagnoli – He earns one for staying “Very European”.

Colt Cabana – He got one for bringing Zack Ryder on last week’s “Art of Wrestling” podcast. If any of my students have yet to listen to it, go to www.welovecolt.com and enjoy it.

Mike Tedesco – He was the special co-host on “The Teacher’s Lounge”. It was a privilege to work with him as my co-host Dave Stephens is still getting his computer patched up.

Evan O’Brien and Darragh O’Connor – Both guys will be guest host on “The Teacher’s Lounge” this weekend. Look for it on Saturday on the WrestleView Radio Network.

And that is all for now. If you want me to give out a Gold Star let me know at mistervwv@hotmail.com.

This Week’s Homework Assignment (Due August 12th)

Look, we know that CM Punk is the best man in professional wrestling right now and he is pretty much the “center of the universe (and not just the WWE). There are also some “rumors” that he is not alone. Does CM Punk have back-up?

1) Let’s say CM Punk has backup. Obviously, we don’t know who his reinforcements are but let’s have fun. Please “class”, if you can pick four guys to form a faction with CM Punk who would they be? I will share your answers with the Mr. V classroom if completed.

Well, that does it for me this week. I thank you all for reading this column and I hope you enjoyed this column as much as I typed it out. If you like it, tell a friend! My classroom has many desks inside. If you want to get a hold of me during the week, please e-mail me at mistervwv@hotmail.com or at lounge@wrestleview.com, or by leaving me a message on Facebook. I do get a lot of e-mails and may not reply in a timely fashion, but I will do my best to give you a quicker reply.

Now, students you are allowed to leave the classroom. Please push in your chairs, line up straight, and exit to the closest door around you. Until next week, you are all……DISMISSED!

Facebook: Add me if you want. I am Anthony J. Valvo in the Pittsburgh, PA networkTwitter: @TheMisterV (I changed it because the readers wanted it)E-Mail: mistervwv@hotmail.com or lounge@wrestleview.comTo Send Predictions for “Predictions of the Faculty”: mistervwv@hotmail.com or Private Message via Facebook.

THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!

Along with WrestleView’s Raw Recapper and Columnist Dave Stephens, The Teacher’s Lounge gives the WrestleView Radio Network Audience a complete rundown of the past week’s events in professional wrestling all in a one to two-hour program. We even have a few games, a detention segment, as well as interviews.

Most Recent Guest (Will appear on the 7/30 edition of The Teacher’s Lounge)

For the first time, WrestleView Radio Hosts Darragh O’Connor and Evan O’Brien!

With Dave Stephens still out due to computer problems that will be fixed in due time, the July 30th edition of “The Teacher’s Lounge” will feature a guest host! I will welcome “WrestleView International Desk’s Darragh O’Connor and Evan O’Brien in The Teacher’s Lounge and we will talk about various topics in WWE, TNA, ROH, and other important information. Games were played as well. It was a fantastic episode that you don’t want to miss.

Already on the archives we interviewed WrestleView.com staff members, including:

As always, Dave Stephens and I thank all our listeners as well as our readers. For $4.99 a month, you get all of this along with many other hours of content from the other shows on the WrestleView Radio Network. It does cost a bit of money, but we will do our best to make it worth it. If you want to be a part of the Lounge for our “E-mails” section, you may drop us a line at lounge@wrestleview.com. To sign up, click here.